This is page numbers 309 - 340 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine, Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Erasmus, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Honourable John Todd.

Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 309

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Before we proceed, I wish to inform the Legislative Assembly that I have received three communications dated November 5, 1998, which are in accordance with section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act from the Interim Commissioner of Nunavut.

I would like to read the following letters received:

Dear Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Judicial System Implementation Act

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than five months away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, we look forward to the establishment of a single-level trial court system for Nunavut. This is the first system of its kind in Canada, and we expect it to be more responsive to the needs of the people of Nunavut.

This bill, when adopted, will enact a new Justices of the Peace Act for Nunavut, make consequential amendments to other acts, and put in place a new Judicature Act for Nunavut. The latter deals with the composition, powers and officers of the Nunavut Court of Justice and Court of Appeal and establishes rules of law and procedural rules applicable to Nunavut.

As required by Section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the bill entitled Nunavut Judicial System Implementation Act, for enactment during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely,

Jack Anawak

Interim Commissioner of Nunavut

The second letter;

Dear Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than five months away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, the legislative authorities required for the new government to act in many areas must be put in place. The Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act contains amendments to a number of statutes that will be duplicated for Nunavut, in order to render them appropriate for Nunavut.

As required by Section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the bill entitled Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, for enactment during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely,

Jack Anawak

Interim Commissioner of Nunavut

My final letter is;

Dear Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Statutes Replacement Act

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than five months away. As we continue our preparations for this historic event, we must consider the effects that the creation of the new territory will have on professional associations in the north. The Nunavut Statutes Replacement Act adjusts the laws that currently establish professional associations and provides for the regulation of the members of those associations.

As required by Section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the bill entitled Nunavut Statutes Replacement Act for enactment during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely,

Jack Anawak

Interim Commissioner of Nunavut

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite you, all Members and the public to view the Arctic Canada Trading display and meet the Arctic Canada Trading staff featured today in the Great Hall. Arctic Canada Trading is the marketing group established by the Northwest Territories Development Corporation.

The display is used as part of a major marketing tool to showcase our products from the Northwest Territories to buyers both nationally and internationally. The products are created as a result of the efforts of people working in subsidiary companies operated under the guidance of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation. In addition, Members will see products created by those involved in the cottage industry programs. These individuals make their products in their own homes and sell them to Arctic Canada Trading.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the Members take time to note and appreciate the high quality and detail of the work purchased from the people throughout their constituencies. Arctic Canada Trading has played a major role in strengthening the outside marketing infrastructure, thereby helping to create continual sales for northern products made by northern people in southern and international markets.

As a result, this wholly owned marketing group is creating employment throughout the Northwest Territories. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell you today that in the last fiscal year, the Northwest Territories Development Corporation issued over 1300 T4s to workers across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, good marketing requires investment and patience. It also requires support from all people in the territories. I would like to thank all Members of this Legislative Assembly who continually, throughout their travels, have taken the time to request products or brochures to pass on to those they meet. This kind of commitment strengthens and broadens the marketing of northern projects. Mahsi cho.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Minister's Statement 58-13(6): Wire North Initiative
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 310

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to inform this House of an exciting project that will help to bring the north into the 21st century. Wire North will help communities connect to the Internet.

Every day, we see signs of the new technology that is changing our world. E-mail messages are replacing letters and phone calls to family and friends. Banking is done from the convenience of our homes through telephones and computers. Medical services are provided through video conferencing and other technology over the Internet.

Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of many opportunities that modern technology gives us. So far, this technology has only been affordable in our larger communities. As the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, I believe it is vital that all northern communities have access to these same opportunities. The Wire North Initiative is a partnership between the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs; Education, Culture and Employment; Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; the Financial Management Board Secretariat; Industry Canada, the NWT Association of Municipalities, the NWT Association of Municipal Administrators, and not-for-profit and private sector representatives. Through partnerships, Wire North will provide communities with coordinated access to programs and support so they can use the Internet.

Mr. Speaker, MACA will invest up to $600,000 in Wire North Initiatives. This will provide community access to the Internet in every northern community. Wire North will help communities train in using the new technology and demonstrate other potential uses such as training and banking on-line. These initiatives will provide communities with Internet access to information, resources, programs and services; and, assist in community development.

Mr. Speaker, the Wire North Initiative is an exciting opportunity for communities. It is a chance for them to use technology to improve their quality of life. Mr. Speaker, officials in MACA are working closely with the future Government of Nunavut to make sure that wire north becomes a wire Nunavut initiative. This is a good example of on-going partnerships between our two new territories. I would like to thank my honourable colleagues, Mr. Todd, Mr. Dent and Mr. Kakfwi for their collaboration in the Wire North Initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Minister's Statement 58-13(6): Wire North Initiative
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 310

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will implement a framework to train more health and social services workers. This training will be done in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Services through Nunavut and Aurora Arctic colleges. In all, over $2 million in additional training funds will be spent in the next two years.

This funding will be used to offer more nursing access programs, increased support for students in diploma programs, and begin delivery of nursing degree courses. Other health-related occupation programs will also be expanded. These include Community Health Representative, Community Home Support Worker, Long-term Care Aid and Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counsellor programs.

On the social services side, a social work access year will be added to the social work diploma program and degree courses will be enhanced. This January, the nursing access year will be offered at two locations in the western NWT and one in Nunavut. A social work access program will also begin in the west. The rest of the programs will begin next fall.

Last week, my colleague, the Minister of Health and Social Services, announced actions to help attract and keep more health and social service professionals in our northern communities. These actions, together with more opportunities for training, will go a long way to ensure a good supply of well-trained professionals to fill health and social services jobs now and in the future.

I am pleased that we have been able to respond in such a positive way to a clear and important need. This training strategy will build the capacity of northerners to meet our own needs in the health and social services professions and improve services for all residents. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, fur harvesting is an integral part of northern culture, history and the economy. Because fur is so important to our residents, this government has shown unparalleled leadership in our efforts to ensure that harvesting, as a way of life, remains a viable option for future generations. In 1994, we implemented the NWT Fur Strategy and achieved the following objectives:

- Our biologists have worked closely with local harvesters to monitor populations of fur-bearers and their prey so fur-bearers can be managed sustainably;

- We participated in negotiating an Agreement on International Trapping Standards with the European Union to keep our fur markets open;

- We have implemented an extensive trap exchange program to ensure that our fur harvesters comply with the standards outlined in the agreement;

- We have invested in harvester training in the use of new traps and techniques to ensure harvesting is humane;

- We promoted Nunavut-produced sealskins; and worked to develop a larger market for this product;

- We have developed a new Fur Harvesters Training Manual that has been sent to each of our regions to assist in harvester training.

We have also supported our harvesters through the Fur Pricing Program which guarantees harvesters a minimum price for prime-quality furs. We believe it is now time to turn our attention towards marketing. Wild fur from the NWT is the best in the world. Unfortunately, auction houses often mix our fur with lower-grade products. If it is collected and marketed properly, we believe we can take advantage of the exclusive quality of NWT fur and ensure our harvesters are rewarded with top prices. A change in our marketing approach will also encourage more participation by NWT harvesters, provide opportunities for NWT residents in other sectors of the fur economy, and put pride back in a proud industry.

To help market our furs more effectively, we have engaged the services of a company with many years of experience in international wild fur marketing. We are encouraging all trappers to use this agency which will sell NWT furs as a unique product. Other aspects of our fur marketing strategy will focus on increasing awareness among the world's fur and fashion leaders of the high quality of fur harvested in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we are confident that this strategy will increase the value and return to our fur harvesters. The northern trapping industry has already seen many positive changes and I believe we can continue to build on that momentum and rejuvenate a sense of pride and ownership in fur harvesting and fur products. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today about a problem that affects all of us, especially ones in the smaller communities. It is the problem with fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. We know that FAS and also FAE can cause birth defects in children and also affect their ability to learn. Children and adults who suffer from these symptoms have difficulty understanding and learning, ranging to severe mental disabilities. We know that FAS/FAE is not an isolated incidence, but is a problem. It is preventable and it affects everyone across the Northwest Territories.

In Fort McPherson and Aklavik, there is a dire need to address the problems of FAS/FAE within the education system. Some students with FAS/FAE are seriously disabled and find they need intensive supervision and others need to be cared for in a manner which may take a little longer than healthy students. We need to support public education in regard to preventative measures, as well as support for the victims, our children. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister questions on the matter of FAS/FAE students in our schools. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Fort Smith, the community I represent, is a multicultural community where there are three main political organizations, the town, the band and the Metis. Over the years, as we have worked on fine-tuning a relationship among those three key organizations, agreements have been reached on how local services and programs should be run and governed. For example, a number of years ago it was agreed that the hospital, the health board, would go to an appointed structure with three representatives from the band, three from the town and three from the Metis. A similar process was agreed to with the local housing authority where they were appointed seats and within the last year, the community turned its attention to the local district education authority.

Over the years, like many communities, it had been almost impossible to get a full slate of elected representatives. Steps have been taken in the last year, working with the Minister and the department through the new Education Act, to look at changing the structure in which appointments and people are put on the board. The request from the community was, in fact, that we move to an appointed board, similar to those used in the health board and the local housing board. It is my understanding that the process is almost complete and that after slightly over a year, the Minister and the department are almost ready to sign off that request and that direction from the people in the community that I represent. This was done over the course of the year where there was consultation, public meetings, meetings with the community leaders on this particular issue. I am very pleased at this juncture to have us almost ready to bring to conclusion this next step with the community of Fort Smith as we once again continue to improve and fine-tune how we do business as a community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the Transportation department launched a $2.2 million new roads initiative for the Northwest Territories and there are four roads that are being studied that will have a great impact and economic benefit for all northerners. It is a good initiative for this government to undertake. We need road development to access non-renewable resources and, in turn, create jobs with the resultant spinoff of more stability for our government. There is a need for the government to address the issue of economic development.

Population levels in the west are stagnant or perhaps declining. Any population decrease will impact negatively on the amount of money that is transferred to this government from the federal government, through the formula financing system. Any decease in population could cost us millions of dollars, transfer dollars, plus losses in income taxes. It should also be remembered that our government continues to be hampered by the force growth in such areas as health and social services and education to the tune of possibly $15 million a year. While we may have a balanced budget today, in several years the forced-growth situation and decline in population may put this government in a deficit position once again.

The solution, of course, is for us to create jobs. Therefore roads to access the resources in the territories is critical. Our resource potential has been termed as massive with huge oil and gas fields, as well as rich deposits of diamonds and gold and other precious metals and minerals. These are the industries that can provide large-scale jobs for our northerners. Industry and businesses have for many years indicated that the lack of jobs is directly related to a lack of public investment in the transportation infrastructure. A highway into the barren lands, north of Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake, would give increased access not only for mineral exploration, but also for tourism. Such an undertaking can dramatically alter the economic well-being of the western Arctic and any road construction that leads to increased development of resources can have a positive rippling effect for all communities of the north, be they near or far. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Member's Statement 146-13(6): Rae-edzo Municipal Funding Formula
Item 3: Members' Statements

November 8th, 1998

Page 312

James Rabesca North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I again would like to raise a concern that I have brought forward many times during this Assembly. That being, the problem of the current Municipal Funding Formula for the community of Rae-Edzo. Time and time again, I brought this forward in this House with the department of MACA saying are view is being done to solve the many problems my community is having. However, to date nothing has changed. The department even went to the point of promising extra funding to ensure the problems were being taken care of, however, this funding has not been given to the community. When will this review be completed? How long does my community and others have to wait before we can say that all communities are treated fairly and equitably?

Rae-Edzo has worked very hard with the department to identify the problem areas. The hamlet has made every effort to ensure a good working relationship has developed, but they cannot continue to be delayed any longer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following Mr. Kakfwi's comments, I would also like to acknowledge and recognize the fine exhibit located out in the Great Hall of northern crafts and clothing. Mr. Speaker, I especially would like to acknowledge the excellent work done

by the Kiluk Sewing Factory of Arviat.

Mr. Speaker, at the display, you will notice a small Christmas tree; all the decorations on this tree are handmade by the ladies at the centre from Arviat, along with the tree skirt. Also on display are jackets and vests made by the staff. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage all staff and MLAs to visit the display and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Arviat centre manager, Jody, her staff Denelda, Bernadette, Arlene, Agatha, Margaret and Mary. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think like many of the residents of the NWT, I welcome the new initiative introduced by the Minister of MACA, Wire North Initiative. A few days ago, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Erasmus and myself, we talked about a problem with a communication system in the NWT, despite the fact that we have many hard-working technicians as outlined by the Member for Thebacha. I am not criticizing the people who work in the area of the communication system. Mr. Speaker, I believe we have to change with the times and welcome any changes that will improve things like communication.

I have used my Interac card in Pelly Bay and find I have no problem connecting to a bank here in Yellowknife. I have made many phone calls to people and find now that the line is not working, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps we should try and make sure that people, residents, businesses and municipalities will get the best services that money can buy. I understand the honourable Minister is investing about $600,000 in the area of communication. Will the Minister ensure that once we have invested a lot of money into this, $600,000 is a substantial amount of money, will the government ensure that we have the quality service available that the money can buy? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will just use this opportunity to make a statement about the recent international culinary competitions which were held in Quebec City that were attended by an NWT culinary team. Chef Pierre LaPage, Chef John MacDonald, and Chef Patrick Kane who are all in the gallery today, attended and represented the people of the Northwest Territories at that competition and, in fact, came away with some top marks and received some gold awards as a result of their efforts. I just wanted to make note of it as a Member of the Legislature for their excellent representation and their work that they performed in the competitions. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.